3D Printed Terahertz Metamaterials for Ultrawideband Linear Polarization Conversion

To meet the growing demands of ultrawideband and high-performance polarization-related applications, a 3D metamaterial-based terahertz (THz) polarization converter has been introduced. This converter integrates two types of resonators—split-ring and cut-wire resonators, each with unique heights into a single unit cell. It demonstrates exceptional performance in achieving ultrawideband linear polarization conversion, operating across a frequency range of 0.53–1.53 THz, with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) consistently exceeding 0.9 and a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 97.1%. Simulation results demonstrate that the occurrence of the wideband polarization conversion can be attributed to the strong electric and magnetic resonances between the top and bottom metal layers. Furthermore, the ultrawideband THz polarization converter is manufactured through a combination of the micro-stereolithography-based 3D printing technology and the electron beam evaporation deposition method. Finally, the feasibility of the fabricated ultrawideband THz polarization converter has been validated experimentally. These discoveries are thought to hold great promise by potentially offering valuable prospects for diverse polarization-related applications within the burgeoning field of THz technologies.